Oliver J. Flanagan

Oliver J. Flanagan (22 May 1920-26 April 1987) was an Irish politician who was affiliated with Fianna Fail, the United Gaelic Front, and the Fine Gael party during his career. From 1976 to 1977, he served as Minister of Defense of Ireland, succeeding Liam Cosgrave and preceding Bobby Molloy.

Biography
Oliver J. Flanagan was born in Mountmellick, County Laois, Ireland on 22 May 1920, and he was a carpenter and auctioneer before being elected to the Laois County Council in 1942. Flanagan was a local Fianna Fail leader before becoming an independent party, and he became known for his anti-Semitism and his conservatism (he claimed that there was no sex in Ireland before television). From 1943 to 1954, he served as an independent Teachta Dala, affiliating himself with the paternal autocratic United Gaelic Front. In 1947, he accused Eamon de Valera and Gerald Boland of corruption, and he became popular for his opposition to Fianna Fail. In 1954, Flanagan joined the liberal-conservative Fine Gael party, serving in the Dail until his death in 1987; he briefly served as Minister of Defense from 1976 to 1977.